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Conveying an update on the Green Line Extension project.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
Thank you for your tireless efforts to advance the MBTA Green Line Extension. When I appeared before the honorable board at its May 26th, 2016, meeting, I indicated that I would provide you with a status update on the City’s negotiations around the GLX.
During the month of June, the City began preliminary discussions with MassDOT regarding the mechanics of potential municipal financing contribution to the GLX. I have restated my position that potential municipal financing must be spread out over time, must be structured to minimize the burden on local taxpayers, and must strive to minimize negative impacts on the City’s established Capital Plan priorities. I have also restated my position that any potential agreements must protect the City’s ability to seek offsets or recovery of its proposed contributions over time using new or existing value capture tools.
Based on timelines indicated to us by our state partners, I anticipate that submission of any requests for action by the Board of Aldermen will be appropriate in or after the month of August.
Also during the month of June, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization finalized the reprogramming of $152 million in flexed federal highway funds away from the GLX Phase 2 project (the future extension from College Avenue to Route 16) and into the core GLX Phase 1 project (Lechmere to Union Square and College Avenue). As you know, the City holds a voting seat on the MPO board, representing the Inner Core sub-region of the MPO. We voted in support of this reprogramming action, understanding that without the requested funds, the GLX Phase 1 would not move forward. I have requested that MassDOT assign an additional $38 million in matching state funds that had been coupled with the $152 in federal funds into the core GLX Phase 1 project as well.
MassDOT has indicated that they are making progress on two other important elements of the GLX workflow. First, they have been in steady, weekly negotiations with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regarding a revised finance plan for the GLX. Additionally, MassDOT launched its executive search for senior project management staff, consistent with the request of the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board.
I am grateful for the Board of Aldermen’s continued partnership as we work to deliver the Green Line Extension and its incredible benefits around public health, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social equity. I look forward to updating you in more detail as more information is made available to me.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor